Cyprus today is one of the most beautiful and most popular places on the Mediterranean Sea. The mild climate and enchanting nature give the rest a special attraction. The main beauties of the island of Cyprus are the sea, the blue sky, golden beaches and centuries-old attractions. And what else may be needed for a perfect pastime ?!
general information
Continental Asia Cyprus is the 3rd largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is not entirely calm. This is due to the fact that since 1974, due to the invasion of Turkey, Cyprus has been divided into 2 parts - the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Each part of the island is separated by a buffer zone under UN control. The capital of both Republics is located in Nicosia.
Cyprus: population
The total population of Cyprus is just over one million people, of which 80% live in the Republic of Cyprus and 20% in Northern Cyprus.
On the island of Cyprus, the population is mixed. This is due to the division of the island and the attractiveness of moving here. The population of Cyprus (nationality): over 90% of the local population are Greek Cypriots, the rest of the population is English, Russian and Armenian. In the northern part of the island of Cyprus, the population was divided into Turkish Cypriots, Turks and some others. The official languages on the island are Greek and Turkish. In the Republic of Cyprus, the population speaks excellent English.
How to get there
Most tourists and visitors fly to the island by plane. In Cyprus, there are two international airports located in the cities of Larnaca and Paphos.
The airport in the Turkish part of Cyprus is called Ercan. It is not recognized internationally. Despite this, he takes some flights from abroad.
You can also sail to Cyprus by ferry. In particular, the island has a ferry service with the Greek port city of Piraeus, with the islands of Crete and Rhodes, with Egyptian Port Said, Israeli Haifa and Ancokna in Italy. The main port of the Republic of Cyprus is located in the city of Limassol, from where ferries, merchant ships and cruise ships depart.
Climatic and weather conditions
The climate here is subtropical with rather hot and dry summers, warm and mild winters. Even in winter, snow can only be found in the mountains.
It is best to come to Cyprus in the high season - in the summer or in September, when the strong summer heat has passed, but the sea is still warm. The most pleasant summer weather is in the coastal areas of the island.
Cities
Ayia Napa is a young and fun resort with vibrant nightlife. A wonderful vacation here is provided by the best sandy beaches of Cyprus, the gentle sea and the local water park.
Larnaca is the 3rd largest city on the island. This is a fairly famous and popular Mediterranean resort.
Limassol is the business capital of Cyprus with its main trading port and many office premises of large world companies.
Paphos is one of the most ancient cities of Cyprus. It has many attractions.
Protaras is a young and developing resort located in the southeastern part of the island. The city is calm and crowded.
Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus, located in the center of the island.
Kyrenia is an old city in the north of the island, part of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The city is popular with tourists for its many beaches and interesting sights.
It makes life easier for tourists the lack of a language barrier on the island of Cyprus. The language of the inhabitants of the island is Greek and Turkish, but many are fluent in English.
sights
At one time, Cyprus was the center of many historical achievements, and the territory of the island was mastered by more than one civilization, which gave rise to thousands of archaeological tracks on the map of the island. We are talking about a great many architectural structures of various times and other historical artifacts located in Cypriot museums or churches.
A considerable number of historical monuments have been preserved throughout the island, attracting the attention of many tourists.
In Cyprus, you can find the remains of settlements from the time of the Stone Age - these are ancient Roman theaters, and Byzantine temples, and monasteries, and castles of the crusaders, and much, much more. All this wealth determines the unique atmosphere of the island, where beauty and peace, ancient culture and modernity are combined.
Travel around the country
Cyprus is a rather small island, so some types of transport are not present here. So, the railway communication was stopped in the last century.
Bus service is not very developed here.
A substitute for it is a fairly developed taxi system. In Cyprus, there are 3 types of taxis: intercity, intercity and rural.
Renting a car is available for persons with an international driver’s license, aged 25 to 70 years, with a driving experience of 3 years. Some private firms may find less serious rental conditions.
Kitchen
Local cuisine is a great example of the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean. From Greek and Turkish cuisines, the custom of cooking food on the grill or in the form of thick soups and stews came here. But, unlike Turkish cuisine, local food is less spicy. Italian cuisine also influenced Cyprus, from which such ingredients for cooking as mint, cinnamon, basil, coriander, arugula came. Also in Cyprus, curry and ginger are used. In general, one can distinguish a dominant oriental influence, this is the presence of sweet dishes with many spices and oils in them.
Often fresh vegetables and fruits are eaten here. Meat dishes in Cyprus are very popular among locals.
The most common dish here is meze, it can be found in every restaurant on the island. Mese is an assortment of different cold and hot appetizers. There is no better way to get acquainted with Cypriot cuisine than meze. As a side dish in Cyprus, they usually eat rice, pasta and legumes.
For dessert, baklava or Turkish delight is usually used here. The most popular drink in Cyprus is wine. For those who like stronger drinks, there is “Zivania” - rustic grape vodka. Cypriots also love coffee.
Restaurant prices in Cyprus are slightly lower than in Europe. The cost of breakfast for one person from 5 euros, lunch or dinner from 10 euros.
Purchases
The main purchases and souvenirs from Cyprus are usually items and products that are traditionally part of the unique culture of this island. These include jewelry, local wines, olive oils and handicrafts. It is also worth buying local leather goods - bags, purses, wallets, shoes and outerwear. Prices in Cyprus for high quality leather items can be called affordable. For example, the cost of a leather belt is from 10 euros, bags from 35 euros.
Well, the absence of a language barrier on the island of Cyprus (the language of the inhabitants we have already mentioned) will help to make an excellent purchase.
Holidays
In small villages, many ancient customs and rituals have been preserved, especially observed on Christmas days, on New Year's Day, Easter. For the Greek Orthodox Church, Easter is the most important holiday of the year.
Also, residents of Cyprus celebrate many national holidays, local or seasonal. The Wine Festival in Limassol, held annually in September, is very popular here. It goes on for several days and includes a tasting of local wines, concert and theater performances, competitions of singers and dancers.
Local customs and mores
The population of the island for many centuries includes Cypriots from Greece and Turkey. The cultures of these peoples vary and still retain their characteristics in lifestyle and religious beliefs. Cypriots of Greek origin are the heirs of Greek culture, but because of their long stay under English patronage, they adopted some features of life characteristic of Europeans. There is a left-hand movement on the island , and English is almost the second language for the country and the first in professional and business relations. Cypriots of Greek origin profess Orthodoxy (in the north, in the Turkish part of the island, Islam reigns).
There are no strong restrictions for tourists in the country. When visiting existing religious sites, churches and monasteries, you should pay attention to the form of clothing. Women in such places are advised to wear long skirts, clothes covering their shoulders, and men to be in trousers.
In summer, locals go to the "siesta" - an afternoon break from 13:00 to 16:00. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, all stores are open until lunch only.
Conclusion
This island is truly one of the best places for the most unforgettable vacation. The sun, Cyprus, the sea, golden beaches - these words will forever be associated with the memories of paradise holidays on this wonderful island.